A program to encourage women's leadership, saw young women take seats in Tonga's parliament to experience the decision-making process for themselves, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child in Nuku’alofa on 11 October.

About 30 girls are participating in the event which concludes on 14 October.

Called the “She Leads Fale Alea ‘o Tonga 2022” the program was opened by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua.

He said the Legislative Assembly gave the girls an opportunity to lead by welcoming them in national decision-making spaces.

“It also gives them an incredible learning and networking opportunity.”

He said by promoting these parliamentary initiatives young people in Tonga have had an opportunity for increased personal and professional development.

Under the program, on 11 October, a Private Bill, a Motion for an Order and a Petition were submitted to the “She Leads Fale Alea 2022”.

This included a Private Bill on Building Control and Climate Change Resilience, and a Motion for an Order for a Temporary Special Measures for Reserved Seats in Parliament for women.

On the special agenda was a Petition calling for the Decreasing of Voting Age from 21 to 18.

The agenda was read and approved by the participants and the Lord Speaker referred it to the Whole House Committee for discussions.

Engaging youth

The Speaker advocated enabling and empowering young people to engage in decision making so they can effectively take part in regular political decision-making in the national, regional and international level.

“Young people are not represented adequately in formal political institutions and processes such as Parliaments, political parties, elections, and public administrations.”

He said engaging youth in parliament as young parliamentarians can provide important role models for politically interested youth. The increased presence of young elected leaders may in turn encourage more citizens to recognise young people as willing and able to lead – not just in the future, but now.

This was the 5^th Cohort of  “She Leads Fale Alea”.